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Mental diseases such as depression and anxiety affect a person's psychological state, influencing his/her interaction with the surroundings. Although therapies and medications alleviate symptoms in many people, there are still others who do not benefit from these interventions, leaving their health problems unresolved. This scenario occurs much more frequently than one would imagine. In such instances, TMS therapy is recommended as an alternative.
In case a patient has not obtained substantial results using conventional therapies including medications and therapies, TMS therapy might help.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a FDA approved procedure, which is noninvasive and effective when dealing with depression and similar ailments.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves using powerful magnetic pulses to stimulate particular cells in brain zones that are responsible for various mental processes.
The prefrontal cortex is known for its functions, which are closely related to mood and decision-making.
Since TMS influences brain functions that are directly connected to depression, the procedure is not likely to lead to side effects observed when using antidepressants that act throughout the body.
When the usual treatments fail to make a difference in someone's life, there comes a moment when he/she considers other alternatives. For example, antidepressants may be partially effective and later lose their power. At other times, medications cause severe side effects.
At this stage, TMS becomes one of the options as it aims at specific zones in the brain and creates a stable condition.
After learning what TMS is, one may wonder about medications that are required. However, TMS itself is usually performed separately from the use of antidepressants.
TMS does not require any hospitalization because the process is an outpatient one.
For people who have had trouble taking their medications, this is an important advantage.
By the time TMS therapy becomes an alternative, a person probably has tried many approaches. Sometimes the medications offer partial improvement but stop being efficient after some time.
Other patients find no changes after experimenting with a series of treatments. Only at this point, TMS seems to become a possibility.
Results of therapy take time to appear; however, a gradual improvement is noted.
Like most medical treatments, TMS therapy may cause some mild and temporary side effects, especially during the initial sessions. However, these effects are usually manageable and tend to decrease as treatment continues. Common side effects include:
Most patients find that these symptoms gradually fade over time and do not interfere with their daily activities. Unlike many antidepressant medications, TMS therapy does not typically cause memory problems, drowsiness, or mental fog, allowing patients to remain alert and continue with their normal routine after each session.
What makes TMS unique is its ability to target particular brain zones, which is another way to improve someone's mental state.
As opposed to medication, the process of treatment does not influence all body systems.
With time, patients observe the following changes:
It may take a while to notice this shift but eventually, it starts becoming noticeable.
Depression and anxiety usually go hand in hand as both of them cause difficulties with sleeping and concentrating on one's tasks.
While TMS therapy is primarily aimed at treating depression, in some patients, improvements can be seen in the management of anxiety symptoms as well.
TMS therapy is designed to be a simple, non-invasive, and convenient treatment option for individuals dealing with depression and other mental health conditions. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after each session.
Here’s what a typical TMS treatment schedule looks like:
During the session, the patient remains awake and comfortably seated while magnetic pulses are directed toward specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Since no anesthesia or recovery time is required, TMS therapy easily fits into most daily routines.
TMS therapy may be a suitable option for individuals who are struggling with depression and have not experienced sufficient relief through traditional treatment methods. While antidepressant medications and psychotherapy help many people, some individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms that interfere with their daily lives and emotional well-being.
Only a proper evaluation will reveal whether TMS can be useful for an individual.
KMG Psychiatry concentrates on three aspects: professional skills, patient-oriented approach and evidence-based practices. The idea is to help patients not only reduce symptoms of their illnesses but also regain control over their life and mental state.
Nowadays, there are new ways to fight depression. TMS therapy is gaining popularity due to its non-invasive nature and effectiveness. Every patient obtains different results. However, most of them have expressed satisfaction regarding the therapy.